Stateline Stories

Wisconsin Voter ID Law Unlikely to Apply in November

Wisconsinites this November won’t likely need to show photo identification at the polls. That’s because the state Supreme Court says it won’t immediately consider whether to reinstate a voter ID law blocked in a lower court.

Anti Car-Tax Sentiment To Be Tested In Washington State

Since Republican James S. Gilmore rode an anti car-tax pledge to the Virginia governor's mansion in 1998, the unpopular levy has become a political target in many states. The next big test of its continued viability as a revenue source will come on Nov. 2, when voters in the state of Washington will consider an even tougher anti car-tax initiative than the Gilmore proposal that started it all.

Utah Legislators Skeptical of Governor's Tax Proposal

TRANSITION WATCH: Utah Republicans grapple over the budget, Michigan's incoming governor mulls a new bridge to Canada, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Texas Governor Rick Perry Poised to Join Presidential Race

TODAY'S TAKE: Texas Governor Rick Perry, a Republican who has long railed against Washington and the federal government, is expected to launch his bid for the presidency this weekend. He would be the only sitting governor in the contest, but as former governors already in the contest can attest, his record as executive will come under close scrutiny.

With Health Care Lawsuits, States Hope for Victory but Plan for Defeat

Even as 21 states are suing to stop the federal health care overhaul from taking effect, each one is also taking concrete measures to implement the law.

Party Switch Gives Texas House Republicans Supermajority

TRANSITION WATCH: Two-thirds control of the House means Texas Republicans can overcome Democratic delaying tactics, outgoing governors issue their final pardons, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2013

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- Jan. 16 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Nikki Haley's (R) 2013 State of the State Address

S.C. State Workers Challenge Health Insurance Hike

This year, the South Carolina legislature budgeted to give state workers, university employees and teachers their first raise in four years in exchange for increasing what they contribute to their retirement plans.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Jan. 19 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Nikki Haley's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: Let me start tonight with a tradition established by my predecessor

South Carolina State of the State Address 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Jan. 20 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Sanford's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight to deliver my view on the

South Carolina State of the State Address 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Jan. 14 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Sanford's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight to deliver my view on th

South Carolina State of the State Address 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Jan. 16. - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Sanford's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians : It's an honor to be with you again tonight to deliver my vie

South Carolina State of the State Address 2007

COLUMBIA, S.C., Jan. 17 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Sanford's (R) 2007 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight to deliver my view of the St

South Carolina State of the State Address 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C., Jan. 18 - Following is the prepared text of South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's (R) 2006 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight to deliver

South Carolina State of the State Address 2005

COLUMBUS, South Carolina - Jan. 26 - Following is the text of Gov. Mark Sanford's 2005 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight to deliver my view of the state

South Carolina State of the State Address 2004

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - Jan. 21 - Following is the text of Gov. Mark Sanford's 2004 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, My fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight to deliver my view on the state

South Carolina State of the State Address 2003

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - Jan 21 - Following is the text of Gov. Mark Sanford's 2003 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, My fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight and I would say before I beg

South Carolina State of the State Address 2002

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - Jan. 16 - Following is the text of Gov. James Hodges' 2002 State of the State Address: Ladies and gentlemen, Members of the General Assembly, honored guests, please join me in honoring our nation with the words of the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United

South Carolina State of the State Address 2001

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - Jan. 18 - Following is the full text of South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges' 2001 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman of the General Assembly, distinguished guests and my fellow South Carolinians. Even in the dead of winter, an optimist can always find

South Carolina State of the State Address 2000

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - Jan. 19 - Following is the full text of Gov. Jim Hodges' 2000 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, distinguished guests and my fellow South Carolinians. The last year of the 20th Century was one for the record books in S

Innovations in Community Justice

In the last four years, the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services collected and paid out more than $22 million to crime victims throughout the state. In the past Fiscal Year alone, over $6 million was collected and paid to crime victims in South Carolina.

Frugal Governor Finds State Government A Tough Sell

A notorious penny-pincher, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) is trying to bring his model of personal economizing to the structure of state government. Even he admits this isn't easy.

Radioactive Waste: A Political Hot Potato

Its dij` vu all over again: A Republican rules the White House and the U.S. Department of Energy is pushing for plutonium shipments to a state that doesnt want them, where a Democratic governor is threatening to use armed state troopers to block the shipments.

South Carolina Anti-Terror Bill Broader Than Most

Should South Carolina suffer a terrorist threat or attack, the nation may get to evaluate the power of state legislation to protect residents from physical, financial or psychological harm.

Poverty Rate Increases in Most States

The nations economic slowdown fueled an increase in the poverty rate in most states last year, with the greatest jumps in Utah and South Carolina.

On the Record: South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges

South Carolina's Democratic chief executive, Jim Hodges, is carefully monitoring the federal tobacco payments his state is to receive over the next quarter-century. The Palmetto State has already gotten $165 million, but waning tobacco sales may shrink the $2.3 billion total South Carolina is due. During a recent swing through Washington, D.C., Hodges spoke with Stateline.org's Blair S. Walker about the tobacco-payment issue and about the Confederate flag controversy gripping his state.

South Carolina Gov Signs Confederate Flag Compromise

While some relieved South Carolina lawmakers are grandly calling it the end of the Civil War, a historic Confederate flag compromise in Columbia shows how the war's legacy still inflames racial tensions 135 years later.

S.C. Video Poker Ban Energizes Gaming Friends, Foes

South Carolina banished the burgeoning video poker industry from its borders on July 1, and gambling foes now hope to rid other states of this form of gambling. Owners of the gaming devices say they may have lost a battle, but the war is not over.

States To Brush Up On Childrens Oral Health

Representatives of eight states will gather in Charleston, S.C. next month for a closed-door policy workshop designed to strengthen oral health care initiatives for children.Selected from 28 states that applied for the workshop, delegations from Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina and Virginia will attend the National Governors Associations Policy Academy for State Officials on Improving Oral Health Care for Children Dec. 13-15.

Napolitano Thrives in GOP Stronghold

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) holds a double-digit lead in polls as she seeks re-election in the home state of Republican icon Barry Goldwater. Her successes include funding statewide full-day kindergarten and boosting teacher pay while cutting business and income taxes. Starting today (Aug. 7), Napolitano carries her achievements onto the national stage as she becomes the first woman to chair the National Governors Association.

Govs' Anger With Feds Boils Over

CHARLESTON, S.C. - As they approach crucial November elections, governors from both parties blame the Republican-led Congress and White House for a widening chasm between the federal government and the states.

Voucher Groups Seek to Oust Opponents

This year, school choice - or using public money to pay for private school tuition - is a big election issue in states where voucher plans have been defeated by narrow margins in recent years, such as Utah, South Carolina and Texas. Meanwhile, those same states have pro-school choice organizations that are well-funded and increasingly politically savvy.

In Case of Attack, Who Would Run the Legislature?

An obscure Cold War statute would allow South Carolina legislators to designate successors in case lawmakers were wiped out in an attack on the United States. Problem is no one now serving in the General Assembly has submitted a list of emergency successors. At least three other states have similar succession laws on the books.

In School Sports, Who Makes the Call?

A shot at the buzzer of a high school championship game - was it in time or not? - led the South Carolina Legislature to consider a bill to require referees to watch video replays. It was hardly the first example of armchair quarterbacking by lawmakers.

WORTH NOTING: South Carolina's Shampoo Specialists

The Palmetto State cleans up a law requiring hairstylists to get more training than cops. Frog legs are frowned upon by Florida health officials. And an aide to Utah's lieutenant governor gets way ahead of his boss. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Sanford Fights Bailout for States

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) is at odds with most of the nation's governors: He is crusading against calls to send billions of dollars to cash-strapped states to help stimulate the economy.

Another Sanford joke riles lawmakers

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) jokes about terrorism at the Capitol. A Kansas political operative asks for unemployment benefits after running a losing campaign. And a GOP ad in Louisiana commits a football faux pas. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Weekly Wrap: Washington State, South Carolina Clash in jobs Competition

Why Washington state did not offer Boeing new incentives; Questions about government transparency in Utah; Job-creating commission may not have generated jobs.

Is it Really a Great Day in South Carolina?

Governor Nikki Haley’s mandatory telephone greeting for state employees has gotten mixed reviews since it went into effect in September, but the governor sees the policy as a wholly positive development.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley Rallies GOP Women

In a visit to Washington’s conservative American Enterprise Institute this week, the state’s first female governor promoted her new autobiography and encouraged women to consider running for office.

South Carolina Considers Private School Tax Perk

EDUCATION BEAT: Parents would see an average of $205 in tax savings for each student they have in private school, according to a state estimate.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Jan. 18 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Nikki Haley's (R) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, and my fellow South Carolinians: This and every year, we will con

Republicans Score More Victories on Voter ID

TODAY'S TAKE: South Carolina and Texas are the latest states to approve GOP-backed measures requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls. Similar bills are moving forward over Democrats' objections in Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Haley Tells South Carolina Legislators to Get Back to Work

TODAY'S TAKE: South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley called legislators back for a rare special session, but the state Senate president says the chamber will not convene next week as ordered.

South Carolina Is Latest to Pass Immigration Crackdown

TODAY'S TAKE: South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley will sign legislation requiring police officers to ask suspects about their immigration status. Alabama and Georgia have approved similar measures this year.

South Carolina Struggles to Pay Its Road Bills

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: An influx of cash from the federal government helped South Carolina start to pay its road construction bills on time again. But the money shortage has forced the state to put off projects, and legislators want to find out more.

South Carolina Governor Faces Scrutiny Over Trips

TODAY'S TAKE: South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, a Tea Party-backed conservative who has urged fiscal restraint, is fending off criticism over expensive trips she has recently taken, including a taxpayer-funded economic development journey to Paris and Munich.

New Policy Means It's Always 'a Great Day in South Carolina'

TODAY'S TAKE: To improve her state's image, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is asking state workers to answer their phones by saying, "It's a great day in South Carolina. How can I help you?" It's not the first time a governor has intervened in state workers' etiquette.

Governor Promises Tough Session for South Carolina Unions

ECONOMY & BUSINESS BEAT: In this year's legislative session, Republican Governor Nikki Haley says, "We'll make the unions understand full well that they are not needed, not wanted and not welcome in the state of South Carolina."

Loans for Green Homes

States are awash in federal money for energy efficiency - $5 billion to weatherize low-income homes and another $6.5 billion for a wide range of projects from enforcing building codes to researching new energy efficiency technologies. But a South Carolina electric cooperative association wants $4.5 billion more to help rural homeowners who they say will otherwise be left out of the green revolution. The funding would allow an innovative home-efficiency financing plan forged in a handful of states to go nationwide, potentially making a big dent in the Obama administration's energy goals.

Education's Less-Than-Certain Windfall

There's $10 billion for schools in the state aid bill Congress passed last month. But some school systems have reason to wonder whether they are going to see the money.

South Carolina Budget Board's Days May Be Numbered

TAX AND BUDGET BEAT: For decades, South Carolina governors have been trying to consolidate power by killing the state's Budget and Control Board. This year, it may finally happen.

Amazon Gains Upper Hand in South Carolina Tax Break Battle

Despite determined opposition from big retail chains and most of the state's business establishment, a huge tax exemption for the on-line company is moving forward.

Summary of the South Carolina State of the State Address

South Carolina Gov. Sanford, once considered a strong GOP presidential contender, used his final state of the state address to again apologize for the "storm" his extramarital affair wrought and laid out three goals he hopes to accomplish in his final year in office, including a cap on spending.

South Carolina's Haley Pushes Tax Cuts Despite Budget Shortfall

South Carolina's incoming governor wants to eliminate income taxes, Iowa public workers ratify new contracts against the wishes of the governor-elect, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Voter ID Rulings Vex Administrators Ahead of Election Day

Recent court rulings and ongoing lawsuits have prompted widespread concerns about whether election laws can work smoothly next Tuesday.

Republican to Advise Democrat Kitzhaber on Oregon Health Policy

TRANSITION WATCH: Oregon's new governor picks a Republican for a key post, Florida's incoming governor faces delays filling his administration, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Oklahoma's Ban on Sharia Law Gains Traction in More States

TODAY'S TAKE: In the wake of a controversial ballot measure last year that banned Oklahoma courts from applying Sharia law, at least seven states are considering similar legislation.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Ohio - Wyoming

For a comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Ohio through Wyoming.

WORTH NOTING: R.I. Sweeps Out Cleaning Staff

The Rhode Island attorney general's office is duped by a janitor. A South Carolina lawmaker gets defensive over an incriminating photo. And Ohio cracks down on very tiny, but unwanted overnight guests. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Rising Unemployment Vexes States

The national unemployment rate hit six percent last month, its highest level since 1994. But joblessness is even higher in many states as foreign competition combines with the downturn in the business cycle to produce an economic double whammy.

New York Sales Tax Holidays Prove Popular Idea

With New York planning to make its temporary clothing sales tax holidays permanent on March 1, other states are considering copying the limited-time tax breaks popularized by New York, Texas and Florida. Lawmakers in Michigan and South Carolina are studying proposals to give tax holidays to consumers, while the Wisconsin legislature rejected Governor Tommy Thompsons plan to give holiday shoppers a break.

Tea Party Could Sway Key Governors' Races

In the Republican gubernatorial primaries, Tea Party supporters played an outsized role in defeating establishment candidates. Can they pull off an upset twice?

Exemption Debate Looms Over Cuomo's Property Tax Cap

TRANSITION WATCH: New York will consider how far property taxes can rise to pay public employee benefits, Ohio struggles with a tug-of-war over appointments, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

States Prepare Timelines for Missed Debt Deadline

TODAY'S TAKE: States are calculating how long it will take before a political impasse over the federal debt ceiling begins to affect their bottom lines. Some are preparing backup plans, including the furlough of thousands of workers.

Welfare Rolls Up, Benefits Down in Some States

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Some states are scaling back welfare benefits just as more of their residents are seeking them, a new report says.

With New Fiscal Year Looming, Government Shutdowns Unlikely

A year after Minnesota’s three-week shutdown, New Jersey is the state that appears at greatest risk of starting the fiscal year without a budget.

No Child Left Behind Waivers Require Big Changes Fast

Many states seeking a waiver from the 10-year-old education law will be required to overhaul their education policies over the next few months in order to meet federal application requirements.

Why State Debates Don't Last Forever

If the United States Senate followed the rules of the New Jersey General Assembly, it wouldn't take 60 votes for Democrats to overcome a Republican filibuster. It would take 75, or three-quarters of the chamber, one of the highest such thresholds of any legislative body in the nation. So why don't filibusters grind business to a halt in New Jersey as they do in the U.S. Senate?

North Dakota Voters Sidestep Controversies

On an Election Day that featured intraparty legislative races in several states, North Dakota voters shied away from several controversies over the University of North Dakota's “Fighting Sioux” nickname, protections for religious liberty and local property taxes.

Transporting Nuclear Waste May Be Bumpy Ride

The U.S. Congress has approved locating the nations nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain and President Bush signed the legislation this week. But the question remains, how will spent nuclear reactor fuel be safely and efficiently shipped to Nevada?

Republican AGs Probe Health Care Deal

TODAY'S TAKE: The Republican attorneys general of Alabama, Colorado, Michigan, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas and Washington State are threatening to challenge as unconstitutional a provision written into the U.S. Senate's national health care bill that cuts a special deal for Nebraska.

States Expand Fetal Homicide Laws

A wave of new state fetal homicide laws recognizing a fetus "of any gestational age" as a person and potential crime victim has abortion rights advocates worried the statutes could undermine a woman's right to end her pregnancy. Among the 37 states with laws making death of a fetus a separate crime, language giving legal status to a fetus at the earliest stages of pregnancy is proliferating.

States Try to Help Veterans Find Jobs

With U.S forces out of Iraq and combat troops slated to leave Afghanistan in 2013, states are readying for an influx of returning troops who will be looking for work.

States Promote Nursing, Protect Moms

Mississippi, the state with the lowest breastfeeding rate in the country, has passed a broad new law allowing mothers to nurse at work and in public. In addition, five other states - Arizona, Kentucky, Kansas, South Carolina and Alabama - passed laws protecting mothers from charges of indecent exposure when they nurse in public places.

Will Obama Have Coattails in the South?

High turnout among African-Americans and younger voters could reshape the Southern political landscape this fall. But Democrats may find gains in statewide contests thwarted by bad timing and a potential conservative backlash.

Why Tax Revision Is an Inexact Science

Several governors are talking about major change in their state tax structures this year. How do they know how much money a revised tax system will bring in? Often, they don’t.

States Teaming Up to Combat Rx Drug Costs

Theres strength in numbers. At least thats the rationale of freshmen governors in Michigan, Vermont, Wisconsin and South Carolina who are mounting a joint attack on the soaring cost of prescription drugs for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Rick Snyder Picks a Democrat

TRANSITION WATCH: Michigan's Republican governor-elect reaches across the aisle for a top appointment, Georgia's governor-elect picks a controversial chief of staff, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

States Wax Fluorescent

What's the latest bright idea to save energy? Lawmakers in at least seven states want to ban ordinary light bulbs in favor of longer-lasting, energy-efficient compact fluorescents.

Deval Patrick Asks His Cabinet for Resignation Letters

TRANSITION WATCH: The request of Massachusetts' governor that cabinet members reapply for their jobs, West Virginia's shy new chief executive, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

States Slow To Tackle Campaign Finance Reform

When it comes to curbing the influence of special interest money in politics, state lawmakers are sometimes credited with doing more to end questionable practices than the U.S. Congress, which has voted to ban so-called soft money. But reform advocates say campaign fundraising is as open to mischief at the state level as the federal level and that change is unlikely anytime soon.

Maine and South Carolina Try Different Tacks with Big-Box Stores

For years, local governments have either tried to lure big box stores for jobs and cheap goods -- or discouraged them to preserve local businesses and small-town character. Maine and South Carolina have just weighed in on the issue, taking widely divergent approaches.

States Seeking Stock Options

With the stock market continuing its trek through bear country, it's not exactly a great time to be selling voters on a plan that would free more state funds for investment in stocks. But that's the task facing some officials in Louisiana, Montana and South Carolina, who are hoping voters will look past the market's recent struggles to see the long-term benefits of playing the market with public funds.

Health Of Nation Measured In Report Card

A national report card on health places New Hampshire at the top of the list of states that have healthy residents with decent access to healthcare. Mississippi ranked 50th in the study sponsored by the United Health Group of Minneapolis. Minnesota, Utah and Massachusetts also ranked high among states for all round good health and longevity. Louisiana, South Carolina and West Virginia joined Mississippi at the bottom of the list.

States Urge Hurricane Awareness

The governors of Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia have declared official awareness periods to highlight the beginning of what forecasters say could be a dangerous hurricane season.

GOP Governors Examined as Potential Running Mates

Several Republican governors have already taken their names out of consideration for the second spot on the national ticket.

States Hope to Win on New District Maps in Federal Court

For a generation, states have been taking their legislative district maps to the U.S. Justice Department for clearance on issues of racial fairness. There's another route to approval, however, and several of the states are using it.

State Voters Face Range of Critical Issues Tuesday

On Tuesday, Nov. 2, off-year elections will decide if Maine bans late-term abortions, if St. Paul, Minnesota, tries to steal the Twins baseball club from Minneapolis and if Texas will provide $400 million in loans for college students. Kentucky and Mississippi will choose a governor, and voters in Virginia will determine if their legislature goes Republican for the first time since Reconstruction.

Art for the Economy’s Sake

After years of budget cuts, state funding for the arts is making a comeback.

WORTH NOTING: Ex-State Senator Leaves Phone Greeting - From Jail

A former Maryland senator won't be answering his phone for a few years. A Michigan ballot reform group needs a better proofreader. And South Carolina's new license plates won't be heading off into the sunset. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Indiana Gov Squashes VP Speculation

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels said Sunday that if Mitt Romney asked him to be his running mate that he would “demand reconsideration” and send a list of people who “could suit better.” But he declined to say what names would

Rx Cost-Cutting Puts Governors at Odds with Federal Government

Several governors are sparring with the federal government over their cutting-edge tactics to lower prescription drug costs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has branded efforts by Minnesota and other northern tier states to help their residents buy less expensive medicines from Canada illegal and unsafe. And in a separate case, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) is complaining about a bureaucratic delay of federal approval of a multi-state prescription drug purchasing pool.

Keeping Tabs on State Delegations

Creating headlines at home from the GOP convention, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford tells reporter John O'Connor of The State (Columbia) that he doesn't plan to run again after his second and last term as governor ends in 2010, ruling out any run for a U.S. Senate seat. "Politics for the rest of my life is not (in my plans). ... Life doesn't end when politics end."

State School Superintendent Hopefuls Hit Campaign Trail

Voters in eight states will be electing a new state school superintendent this November. Although the job entails sparing public education from the sharp blade of the budget scythe and being responsible for revamping schools to meet new federal demands, the field is full of hopefuls from major and minor political parties.

For Some States, Medicaid Expansion May Be a Tough Fiscal Call

GOP governors appear poised to leave federal dollars on the table.

Nation's Top Court To Hear Several States' Right Cases

Before recessing in June, the U.S. Supreme Court issued three decisions strongly reaffirming the concept of state sovereignty and curtailing Congress' power to create federal law binding on the states. Legal observers expect that trend to continue during the high court's 1999-2000 term, which begins today. At least five states' rights cases are already on the docket.

High Court Hears States Rights' Case Involving Motorists

A policy that infuriated citizens in South Carolina, Florida and Colorado this year -- the disclosure of driver's license information -- is getting a U.S. Supreme Court review. At issue is whether the federal government can use the Driver's Privacy Protection Act to keep states from using motor vehicle records as they please.

Evolution Battle Flares in States

Efforts to supplant the teaching of evolution in public schools with creationism or intelligent design have repeatedly lost in the courts in recent years, but that isn't stopping intelligent design-supporters from attempting to discredit evolution.

GOP Sticks With Prez Primary Rules

For all the complaining about the 2008 presidential primary season starting too early, the GOP has done little to change the 2012 contest schedule.